Opportunities in Tactical Machining: The precision machining industry offers challenging, rewarding work. The products you make help keep people safer and improve their lives. You can produce critical parts for a car, a motorcycle, a truck, or even an aircraft. You can earn entry-level wages comparable to a business major after a few years of training.
Job Description
Tactical machining positions require extensive knowledge of machining techniques, methods, and tools. The job also requires attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.
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Installs below-deck auxiliaries, for example, evaporators, stills, heaters, pumps, condensers, and boilers, working from blueprints and using hand tools and precision measuring devices. Tests and inspects installed machinery and equipment during dock and sea trials, and may set up and operate machine shop tools to fabricate replacement parts.
Supervises monitors and motivates all machine operators to achieve and maintain production goals and schedules. Coordinates with engineers, production personnel, programmers or others to resolve machining or assembly problems.
Troubleshoots all machine malfunctions and set-up problems. Organizes and controls reports and records for machine downtime and for the machine training schedule.
Education and Training Requirements
Machinists use mechanical and computer-controlled machine tools to shape and cut metal parts. They also use blueprints to produce new pieces and repair existing machinery.
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To become a machinist, you need at least a high school diploma or GED certificate. You can start work right away or enroll in a training program to learn the skills you need.
An associate degree from a community college or technical school can give you a competitive edge in this field, and it can help you advance to a manager position later on. Earning a bachelor’s degree in machining can improve your earning potential, as well.
If you want to advance in the machinist industry, consider joining professional organizations and attending conferences and webinars. These events can provide you with valuable information about the job market and other industry trends.
Work Environment
Tactical machining is a manufacturing environment that requires highly repetitive tasks. Workers are often responsible for ensuring that the quality of parts meets expectations. This type of work requires that they constantly strive to improve. To achieve this, companies should design their work environments in ways that encourage a questing disposition, allow workers to engage in rapid experimentation, and facilitate ecosystem collaboration. This report provides nine design principles that can help improve talent development and accelerate organizational performance.
Salary
Tactical machining is a great career opportunity for those with an appreciation of the military. In this position, you will work to ensure the highest level of quality for defense components while earning an above average salary. The pay varies depending on your skills and education, but the average salary for this position is a very respectable $239,039 based on a national survey of all positions in this field. The best part is that it’s a great way to support your family, while making an impact on the world around you.